Tag: Steam Deck

November 12, 2025

Valve’s Steam Machine: Compact Gaming PC with Custom AMD Chip

Key Takeaways

1. The new Steam Machine features custom AMD hardware with six Zen 4 cores and a scaled-down Radeon RX 7600 GPU.
2. It comes with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and storage options of 512 GB and 2 TB, expandable via microSD.
3. Connectivity includes multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
4. The console can run games at 4K resolution, likely requiring FSR support, and runs on SteamOS 3.
5. Valve has not yet announced a price or release date, making a launch before 2026 unlikely.

Valve’s previously abandoned Steam tabletop console has been revived as a new Steam Machine. Similar to the Steam Deck, it features custom AMD hardware with six Zen 4 cores and a 28 CU GPU (110 W TDP), which is a scaled-down variant of the Radeon RX 7600. Though not explicitly mentioned, this was verified by a Geekbench listing.

Specifications and Features

The new Steam Machine is equipped with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. For storage options, Valve offers models with 512 GB and 2 TB, with the potential for further expansion through a microSD card. It’s still unclear if users can upgrade the internal storage manually, but based on the Steam Deck, it seems likely.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Steam Machine includes a DP 1.4 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen2 port, a 1 Gb/s Ethernet port, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Valve asserts that the Steam Machine is capable of running games at 4K resolution, but this may require significant support from FSR due to the hardware’s limitations. It runs on SteamOS 3 right out of the box and features 17 addressable LEDs for extra personalization. The console’s dimensions are 152 mm x 162.4 mm x 156 mm, and it weighs 2.6 kilograms.

Price and Release Date Uncertain

Sadly, Valve hasn’t announced a price or release date yet. With the holiday season getting closer, it’s improbable that it will launch before 2026.

Source:
Link

Tags: Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Valve
November 12, 2025

Official New Steam Controller Features TMR Thumbsticks and Unique Look

Key Takeaways

1. The new Steam Controller features a traditional layout similar to PlayStation controllers, moving away from the old design.
2. It includes two capacitive touch zones below the thumbsticks for navigation, though they may cause unintentional inputs.
3. The controller is equipped with innovative haptic gyro technology for enhanced control and four extra mappable buttons on the back.
4. It charges via USB-C or a magnetic puck and is compatible with Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and any PC with Steam.
5. Details about pricing and release date are currently unavailable.

Valve has finally revealed its anticipated Steam Controller successor. This new version abandons the design of the old model in favor of a more traditional layout similar to that of the PlayStation. It includes two capacitive touch zones located just below the thumbsticks, which could lead to a lot of unintentional inputs. These touch zones are likely intended to facilitate navigation through menus, similar to their function on the Steam Deck.

Exciting New Features

In addition to the new layout, the updated Steam Controller boasts Valve’s innovative haptic gyro technology, which allows for gyro controls when the controller is held at specific positions. Users can also assign additional functions to these touch zones. As a bonus, the controller features four extra mappable buttons located on the back. There’s a Steam button for quick access, along with another button specifically designed for fast access to Steam chat and other functionalities.

Compatibility and Charging

In contrast to the first-party controllers from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, the Steam Controller is equipped with TMR sticks. It can be charged using a USB-C cable or a magnetic puck that connects to its pogo pins. This controller is compatible with the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, or any PC that has Steam. Other specifications include four haptic motors and support for both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity.

At the moment, similar to the Steam Frame and Steam Machine that were announced previously, there are no details regarding the price or release date for the Steam Controller.

Source:
Link

Tags: Steam Controller, Steam Deck, Valve
November 12, 2025

Valve Aims for Steam Machines to Support Battlefield 6 and Valorant

Key Takeaways

1. Steam Machine Overview: A powerful small console running on SteamOS, featuring a Zen 4 AMD CPU and 28 CU GPU, designed to handle AAA games.

2. Anti-Cheat Challenges: Ongoing issues with kernel-level anti-cheat systems on Linux hinder certain popular games, but Valve is optimistic about improved developer support.

3. Enhanced Gaming Experience: The Steam Machine aims to provide a more PC-like experience with better hardware and compatibility for competitive multiplayer gaming.

4. Performance Capabilities: Although marketed for 4K at 60 FPS, actual performance may vary, and the GPU is akin to a less powerful Radeon RX 7600.

5. Developer Engagement: Valve hopes the Steam Machine will encourage developers to implement anti-cheat measures for Linux, expanding gaming possibilities on the platform.

Valve has just revealed three new products: the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and an upgraded Steam Controller. The Steam Machine is a small console that operates on SteamOS, boasting six times the power of the Steam Deck. With its Zen 4 AMD CPU and a 28 CU GPU (110 W TDP), it can handle AAA games, though with reduced visuals. Nonetheless, the ongoing problem with Linux and kernel-level anti-cheat remains a concern, yet Valve is optimistic that the Steam Machine will mark a significant change.

An Overview of Anti-Cheat Challenges

For reference, titles like Battlefield 6 and Valorant use a kernel-level anti-cheat system that is designed primarily for Windows and cannot be easily duplicated on Linux without support from developers. Consequently, these games currently cannot be played on Linux, and subsequently, SteamOS. Valve believes that with the improved features of the Steam Machine, game developers will be encouraged to implement anti-cheat measures for Linux. A Valve representative shared with Eurogamer:

“Although [the] Steam Machine still needs developer involvement for anti-cheat, we think that the motivation for enabling anti-cheat on the Machine will be greater than on the Deck, as we anticipate more gamers will use it for multiplayer. Ultimately, we aim for the launch of the Machine to shift the dynamics surrounding anti-cheat support.”

Enhanced Gaming Experience Awaits

With its superior hardware and compatibility with specialized peripherals, the Steam Machine offers players a more PC-like experience, paving the way for a more competitive multiplayer environment. Games like Valorant should run at a satisfactory frame rate, as long as the display being used can support it.

While Valve doesn’t directly compare the GPU in the Steam Machine to any existing desktop or mobile models, it is essentially a less powerful version of the Radeon RX 7600. However, Valve promotes the Steam Machine as capable of 4K at 60 FPS. Achieving this in every AAA title may not be feasible, as noted by Digital Foundry in their initial impressions. Valve has indicated that the Steam Machine will support ray tracing at “full performance” by its launch and is collaborating with AMD to implement FSR4 as well.

Conclusion

In summary, the new devices from Valve, particularly the Steam Machine, are set to provide gamers with enhanced experiences, especially in competitive play. With hopes of enticing developers to adapt their games for Linux, the Steam Machine might just be the key to more expansive gaming possibilities.

Source:
Link

Tags: AMD GPU, Steam Deck, Steam Machine
November 6, 2025

Valve Introduces Exciting New Feature for Steam Community

Key Takeaways

1. Valve is developing a native polls function for the Steam Community, allowing creators to engage with their audience through “User Polls” in Events and Announcements.
2. The poll workflow includes options for setting end times, voter eligibility, and result visibility, indicating a structured process for creators.
3. Polls will integrate with existing Events and Announcements, utilizing current publishing channels for user content and developer engagement.
4. Voter eligibility and visibility settings aim to prevent organized voting efforts and control who sees poll results.
5. The feature is still in development, based on interface strings, and has not yet been officially launched.

Valve seems to be getting ready to introduce a native polls function for the Steam Community. Recent interface strings show how creators might be able to include “User Polls” in Events and Announcements to engage with their audience. These strings are seen in new screenshots and mention specific settings instead of generic placeholders, which suggests that this feature is actively being developed rather than just thought about.

Poll Workflow Details

The text labels detail a complete poll process: writers can choose an end time either “after x days” or at a precise timestamp and can specify who can vote. Options include “any logged‑in Steam user,” “Steam users with this game in their library,” “Steam users with at least X playtime,” or “members of this group.” There are also toggles for result visibility like “only the admins of this group can see results,” “only those who voted can see results,” or “everyone can see results after the poll closes.” Additionally, an “on‑demand” option suggests that result pages can be accessed anytime by allowed viewers. Other labels include a minimum playtime requirement, a background image for the poll, and standard features for managing choices like “Add a Poll Choice” and “Edit User Poll Choice,” likely referring to a structured editor as opposed to random forum methods.

Integration with Existing Systems

One of the tooltip strings clearly mentions “embedded in this event,” aligning with Valve’s current Events and Announcements framework that developers use to share updates across store pages, libraries, and community hubs. If launched, polls could likely utilize the same publishing channels. Steam’s Community and Steamworks documentation describe these hubs as the main platform for user content and developer engagement, so adding polls would fit well with the existing communication tools instead of creating a new social feed. This information was shared by u/Stannis_Loyalist on r/Steam, who has a proven history of reliable leaks. Nonetheless, this is based on strings found by users and shared through community tracking, rather than an official launch.

Potential Impact of Polls

If this feature goes live, the voter eligibility and minimum playtime restrictions could help prevent organized voting efforts, while the visibility settings could allow creators to either share results privately with admins or publicly with all users after a poll closes. Until an official note from the client or Steamworks appears, consider this as a developing trial seen in the UI text, not a finalized feature.

Source:
Link

Tags: Steam Community, Steam Deck, User Polls
November 5, 2025

Steam Deck Update: New Low-Power Mode Enables Background Downloads

Key Takeaways

1. Users can now download content on the Steam Deck while in power-saving mode.
2. Downloads continue in the background when the power button is pressed.
3. The Steam Deck automatically switches to off-screen download mode when idle.
4. The new feature is currently in the beta version of SteamOS but will be available for all users soon.
5. The Steam Deck is the only console that can update games in the background, helping to reduce screen burn-in.

Valve has quietly introduced what might be one of the top enhancements for the Steam Deck’s user experience. Now, users are able to download content even when the device is in power-saving mode. In the past, it was necessary to keep the console active for the entire duration of downloads, which could take several days if the internet connection was slow. By default, off-screen downloads are turned on whenever the Steam Deck is plugged into a power source. Yet, users can activate this feature for battery mode through the settings.

Downloading Made Easier

When a download is in progress and the power button is pressed, an additional option will appear allowing the download to continue running in the background. Moreover, if the Steam Deck is idle while downloads are active, it will automatically switch to this mode. If the battery percentage goes below 20%, the console will enter sleep mode. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the beta version of SteamOS, but it’s expected to be available for all users soon.

Keeping Games Updated

In essence, the Steam Deck stands out as the only console capable of updating games in the background. It’s worth noting that Steam was among the first applications to integrate this feature on desktop platforms, so it makes sense for them to include it on this new device form. This update will be particularly beneficial for Steam Deck OLED users by lowering the chances of screen burn-in.

Source:
Link

Tags: Steam Deck, SteamOS, Valve
November 4, 2025

Free-to-Play Game Launches on Steam with 100% Positive Reviews

Key Takeaways

1. The last known Evil Egg arcade machine was restored by a dedicated group of game preservation fans and released on Steam.
2. Evil Egg is a chaotic twin-stick shooter where players face hordes of bizarre creatures while aiming for high scores.
3. The game emphasizes skill with rapid gameplay, quick reflexes, and no meta-progression; upgrades reset upon death.
4. Players enjoy the intense visuals and gameplay but note a challenging learning curve and lack of a pause option in ranked mode.
5. Evil Egg has a 100% positive rating on Steam, is free to play, and has no in-game store or microtransactions.

The tale behind this project is just as fascinating as the game itself. The last known Evil Egg arcade machine was found in Eugene, Oregon. It was in pretty bad shape but still fixable. A dedicated group of game preservation fans managed to restore this lost treasure, developed a digital version, and eventually revived it for release on Steam.

Dive into Evil Egg

Evil Egg, brought back to life by the indie team Ivy Sly, plunges gamers into a vibrant arcade universe teeming with enemies. Playing as the Evil Egg, you’ll face unending hordes of bizarre creatures, gather power-ups, and strive to achieve high scores on worldwide leaderboards. The game is designed to be loud and chaotic – an overwhelming audiovisual experience that players have likened to “a digital nightmare from an ’80s arcade.”

Gameplay Mechanics

From the first moment you jump in, the arcade origins of the game are clear: rapid aiming, constant motion, and no pauses. Evil Egg focuses solely on skill, lacking any form of meta-progression. Quick reflexes and precise aim are what count. While players can grab upgrades like more powerful weapons or short-term boosts during gameplay, everything resets if you happen to die.

Community Feedback

Players have called the game “visually and mentally assaulting – in the best possible way.” In addition to its wild visuals, they appreciate the intense gameplay and the strong focus on skill. However, some have pointed out the challenging learning curve and the absence of a pause option in ranked mode. While the sensory overload is a big part of what makes the game fun, it can also test the limits of even the most experienced players during extended play sessions.

Evil Egg boasts a flawless 100% positive rating on Steam, supported by 161 user reviews. This twin-stick shooter is entirely free to play – no strings attached. The developers intentionally left out an in-game store and microtransactions. Although the game hasn’t been officially confirmed for the Steam Deck (which is currently listed on Amazon for about $440), players have shared that it operates smoothly on the device.

Source:
Link

Tags: Evil Egg, indie game, Steam Deck
October 29, 2025

Guild Secretary: Cozy Game Launches on Steam with 100% Positive Reviews

Key Takeaways

1. Unique Role: Players take on the role of the guild’s clerk, focusing on managing adventurers instead of fighting monsters.
2. Engaging Dialogues: The game emphasizes interaction through dialogues, allowing players to uncover character backstories and influence narratives.
3. Charming Art Style: The game features a simple 3D art style with delightful animal characters as guild members.
4. Positive Reception: Ye Guild Clerk! launched successfully on Steam with all initial reviews being favorable, highlighting clever dialogue and charming visuals.
5. Short Gameplay Sessions: The game offers a gameplay duration of 30 to 90 minutes, making it ideal for brief and relaxing gaming sessions.

Guilds are often the core of multiplayer gaming, creating close-knit communities working towards common objectives. Typically, players are active members in these guilds, but Ye Guild Clerk! takes a unique twist. In this free and cozy game, you assume the role of the guild’s clerk. Instead of fighting monsters, your job is to handle the daily needs of adventurers from the comfort of your cozy, well-used office chair.

Engaging Dialogues

The essence of Ye Guild Clerk! lies in its dialogues. Players engage with the guild’s adventurers, uncover their backstories, and make choices about quests, equipment, and rewards. These choices influence how each character’s narrative develops. The game boasts a straightforward 3D art style, featuring delightful animal characters as guild members.

Successful Launch

Ye Guild Clerk! made its debut on Steam on October 28 and had an impressive start – its initial 24 reviews are all favorable. Gamers appreciate the game’s clever dialogue, adaptable decision-making, and charming visuals. With a gameplay duration of 30 to 90 minutes, it’s deemed an excellent option for brief, relaxing sessions. Steam Deck (priced at $440 on Amazon) compatibility is marked as “Unknown,” but due to the game’s low system demands, it should operate seamlessly on most contemporary handheld devices.

Source:
Link

Tags: cozy game, Steam Deck, Ye Guild Clerk!
October 25, 2025

Buff Cleaning Fairy vs. Monster Dirt: Positive Steam Shooter Launch

Key Takeaways

1. Unique Concept: The game features Dorothy, a muscular housekeeper cleaning a supervillain’s mansion filled with monsters and gooey creatures.

2. Positive Reception: Just after launch, “Dorothy’s Job” received 15 positive reviews, indicating strong early player approval.

3. Gameplay Style: It follows the twin-stick shooter format, allowing players to control Dorothy and use cleaning tools to combat dirt and enemies.

4. Free to Play: The game is free to download on Steam and runs well on basic hardware, making it accessible to a wider audience.

5. Controller Support: “Dorothy’s Job” offers full controller functionality, though its compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently unconfirmed.

Another unique title has appeared on Steam, and it looks promising at first sight. With its spooky allure, Dorothy’s Job is a great way to get into the Halloween mood. Just a day after its launch, the twin-stick shooter has received 15 reviews – all of which are positive.

The Quirky Setting

As the title indicates, the game focuses on Dorothy, a very muscular housekeeper employed by a supervillain. Her task is to keep his extravagant mansion clean, but that’s not as easy as it sounds. All sorts of monsters, gooey creatures, and strange entities that clearly dislike cleanliness are hiding in every nook and cranny. Each level places you in a new, randomly generated area of the villain’s hideout – from fancy marble corridors to offices and advanced laboratories.

Engaging Gameplay

In terms of gameplay, Dorothy’s Job adheres to the traditional twin-stick shooter style. You control Dorothy from an isometric viewpoint, fighting off dirt and monsters using spray bottles, mops, and vacuum cleaners. The game has a playful tone, full of humor throughout the experience. Early feedback describes the game as “very fun” and “incredibly addictive.” However, as a smaller title, it may not offer a vast amount of content, and some players have mentioned that the difficulty may feel a bit annoying at times.

Development and Availability

Dorothy’s Job was created by Bola 13 Studios and launched on Steam by U-tad on October 24. This twin-stick shooter is entirely free to play and performs well even on basic hardware. It also supports full controller functionality, but its compatibility with the Steam Deck (available on Amazon for $425) is currently marked as “unknown” and has not been confirmed yet.

Tags: Steam Deck
October 23, 2025

Chizha Mount Ling Dock: 3-Inch Touchscreen Dock for Steam Deck

Key Takeaways

1. The crowdfunding project for the Chizha Mount Ling Dock is live on Kickstarter, with a backing requirement of at least $109 and an expected delivery in January 2026.
2. The dock is designed primarily for the Steam Deck but is compatible with other gaming handhelds due to its standard USB connection.
3. It features a 3-inch touchscreen display that shows video output information and manages a quiet 40mm fan for improved cooling.
4. The docking station includes an HDMI 2.0 port for 4K output at 60Hz, a built-in Ethernet port, and the option to install a full-sized M.2 2280 SSD for additional storage.
5. Dockcase offers USB PD with up to 100 watts of power, two USB Type-A ports, and optical audio output, setting it apart from other similar products lacking these features.

A new crowdfunding project for a docking solution aimed at gaming handhelds is currently live on Kickstarter. People who back the project with at least $109 will receive a unit. The expected delivery time is set for January 2026. As with any crowdfunding effort, there are typical financial risks involved, and potential buyers should carefully review the shipping details before contributing.

Designed for Multiple Devices

The latest accessory from Dockcase is tailored for the Steam Deck, but its standard USB connection means it should work with other gaming handhelds too. The Chizha Mount Ling Dock features a 3-inch touchscreen that has a resolution of 170 x 560 pixels. This display can show information about the video output and manage the active fan, which is designed to enhance cooling efficiency. The 40mm fan operates quietly at 28dBA.

Impressive Functionality

This new docking station for the Steam Deck includes an HDMI 2.0 port capable of outputting 4K at 60Hz. It also comes with a built-in Ethernet port for connecting to wired networks. Additionally, users can install a full-sized M.2 2280 SSD for extra storage.

Moreover, Dockcase provides USB PD that can deliver up to 100 watts of power. There are two USB Type-A ports, with one supporting a bandwidth of 10Gbps. You can connect peripherals like a mouse or keyboard using USB 2.0, and optical audio output is also included. While there are similar docking stations available on Amazon, many lack both a display and a fan.

Source:
Link

Tags: Chizha Mount Ling Dock, Dockcase, Steam Deck
October 6, 2025

Sheepdog vs. UFOs: Free Game with 100% Positive Reviews

Key Takeaways

1. Game Introduction: Vancouver Film School launched a new free game called Unknown Fluffy Object on October 3, following the success of previous games.

2. Gameplay Concept: Players control Buddy, a herding dog, who must save sheep from UFOs in the Scottish Highlands, utilizing a special ability called “super barking power.”

3. Mini-Games and Challenges: The game includes light challenges and mini-games to add variety to the main herding gameplay.

4. Positive Reception: The game has received favorable feedback on Steam, with 24 positive user reviews praising its art style and creative mechanics.

5. Technical Notes: Some players noted minor glitches and the game’s short length, but these concerns were often overlooked due to the game being free.

Following the success of games like Rage Quit and Not Raised By Wolves, the Vancouver Film School has introduced another free game called Unknown Fluffy Object, which was launched on October 3. This new game, like the previous ones, offers a brief ten-minute gameplay experience centered on a unique idea and imaginative play.

Gameplay Overview

In Unknown Fluffy Object, you take on the role of Buddy, a herding dog who must save his sheep from strange UFOs in the Scottish Highlands. Your mission is to guide the sheep over rivers, cliffs, and fields while dodging obstacles and protecting them from alien dangers. Buddy has a special ability known as “super barking power,” which helps him to scare away UFOs. In addition to the main herding gameplay, the game includes light challenges and mini-games that offer some variety. However, it is important to note that its compatibility with the Steam Deck, which is currently listed at $620 on Amazon, is marked as “Unknown.”

Reception and Feedback

So far, the recent student project from the Vancouver Film School has received positive feedback on Steam. Since its launch, Unknown Fluffy Object has garnered 24 user reviews, all of which are favorable. Players appreciate the game’s delightful art style and creative mechanics. Major issues are few; some users point out minor technical glitches or the brief length of the game. However, considering that it is entirely free, many players find these concerns easy to overlook.

Tags: Steam Deck, Vancouver Film School